Clippers turn attention toward draft combine

May 15, 2013

Updated Aug. 21, 2013 1:17 p.m.

1 of 1

Clippers, who could use another big man, will give serious consideration to Louisville's Gorgui Dieng in the upcoming NBA Draft. Dieng is participating in this week's draft combine. STREETER LECKA, GETTY IMAGES

Clippers, who could use another big man, will give serious consideration to Louisville's Gorgui Dieng in the upcoming NBA Draft. Dieng is participating in this week's draft combine. STREETER LECKA, GETTY IMAGES

NBA Draft Combine

When: Thursday and Friday

Where: Attack Athletics, Chicago, Ill.

TV schedule

Thursday: 7 a.m.-11a.m. on ESPNU and 11 a.m.-noon on ESPN2

Friday: 7 a.m.-11a.m. on ESPNU and 11 a.m.-noon on ESPN2

Locals among the participants: UCLA's Shabazz Muhammad, USC's Dewayne Dedmon and Long Beach State's James Ennis

There's no shortage of decisions for the Clippers this offseason, and while no major ones have been made, a big chunk of the team's front office is hoping to get a head start on the June 27 NBA Draft.

Clippers vice president of basketball operations Gary Sacks and his staff are in Chicago this week for the NBA Draft Combine, where the top prospects from around the world will be drilled, measured and interviewed by NBA teams.

This is an important process for the Clippers because they haven't made a first-round selection in the past two drafts. After a disappointing first-round exit in the playoffs, they know they need to get better, and the 25th pick is one place where they can do that.

There are several directions the Clippers could go on with their first-round pick.

The playoff loss to the Memphis Grizzlies showed that the Clippers could use another big man to bang on the blocks and protect the rim.

While the best shot-blocker in the draft, Nerlens Noel, will be long gone by the time the Clippers pick, Louisville's Gorgui Dieng and Kansas' Jeff Withey could be options. Dieng has more upside, but he'll likely come off the board first. Withey is a good defender who seems destined to a nice career as a back-up center.

The Clippers could also try to find a power forward that can stretch defenses with his jump shot, or an athletic wing to bolster an aging perimeter. Chicago's Jimmy Butler, a favorite of Sacks', was taken with the last pick of the first round two years ago, and the Clippers would love to find a player who could make a similar impact. While the ideal pick would be able to defend and shoot from the perimeter, the ability to do either would help.

Long Beach State's James Ennis, Cal's Allen Crabbe and San Diego State's Jamaal Franklin all could be options.

Another intriguing option could be to draft a point guard. If the Clippers re-sign Chris Paul, the team could move Eric Bledsoe to address other needs. That could prompt the Clippers to look for someone to lead the second unit in Bledsoe's absence.

Miami's Shane Larkin, son of baseball Hall of Famer Barry Larkin, could be available at the end of the first round, as could combo guards Nate Wolters, Lorenzo Brown and Erick Green.

THE PICK THAT ISN'T

Before the playoffs began, the Clippers scored a victory over Memphis without stepping on the court.

After the two teams finished the season with the same record, a coin flip was held to determine who would pick 25th and who would pick 26th in the first round.

The Clippers won the toss and the 25th pick. But the outcome also cost them their second-round selection.

Because the Clippers won the better position in the first round, the order is flipped in the second round, moving the Clippers' pick back to No. 56. But in 2009, the Clippers agreed to trade their 2013 second-round pick to Detroit for guard Alex Acker. The pick would change hands only if it was 56th overall or later.

Acker played only 18 games with the Clippers, averaging 3.5 points. He never played in the NBA again after that season.

User Agreement

Keep it civil and stay on topic. No profanity, vulgarity, racial
slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about
tragedies will be blocked. By posting your comment, you agree to
allow Orange County Register Communications, Inc. the right to
republish your name and comment in additional Register publications
without any notification or payment.